Today QVC offers yet another “repackaging” of an old existing Vitamix model under the Creation Series name. This time they are featuring the old Vitamix 4500 model which was later named the TurboBlend 2-speed. As usual, the QVC version is spiced up with new colors and an add on – this time the dry grains container.

Review

If you are familiar with Vitamix then you know this is an excellent blending machine, built to perform and to last. The Creations Turbo model is essentially the “bare bones” Vitamix blender. It is made with the quality and power as expected but it has limited features for a more affordable price.

Power and Control

It does not get any simpler than this. Two switches – one to power on and off and the second for the 2 speed control High and Low. Don’t be fooled by the simplicity, as with every Vitamix designed this model is also carefully designed for maximum power and efficiency. It has the same trusted motor that comes with the 5200 Classic Series.

Variable Speed Versus 2 Speed

The simplicity of control keeps the price lower than the more popular 5200 but it does come at a “cost”. For the last 10 years or so Vitamix has become increasing popular primarily due to their efficient design and dependability but also because of the Variable Speed control. If you have never used a Vitamix with its variable speed control then as the saying goes, you won’t miss it. BUT, the precision variable speed does add additional versatility and control that Vitamix is known for. It does make it easier to accomplish more tasks, and really does and another layer of efficiency in blending.

Blending Containers

This is an interesting package combination. It comes with the standard tall Vitamix BPA-Free 64 oz container. This is the container to do most all of your typical blending tasks and is UL certified to blend at the 64 ounce capacity (unlike many other brands that can not blend at the stated volume capacity). Also included is the 32 oz. dry grains container. This is a container developed by Vitamix specifically for blending grains for making flour. While you can make flour in the 64 oz. container without issue, the blade design of this container is different resulting in a much more efficient grain grinding process which can be a blessing if you plan on making a lot of flour (see our » dry-blending comparison).

Since many people choose the 2 speed version of Vitamix over the variable speed solely because of the price, adding an additional, most expensive, container to the package doesn’t make much sense. Unless… flour making was your main goal. Variable speed has no advantage over a 2 speed for grinding grains since it is recommended that you perform the task on maximum speed.

While the motor base may not be brand new it does go through a very rigorous testing process to ensure that it does work as good as new. Until recently, Vitamix used to give the same 7-year warranty length as new purchases – they reduced the period to 5 years in order to drop the price by an additional $50. Please see our article on Reconditioned Vitamix for more info.

Cindy, that is a great question and we actually hear it a lot especially from folks who want a Vitamix but are on a tight budget.

If you haven’t used a variable speed blender, you won’t know the difference. As mentioned, with the inclusion of the dry grains container and baking book, this package seems to be geared towards flour making and baking. If that’s what you are most interested in then you won’t necessarily need the variable speed.

Personally, we feel that the variable speed of the Vitamix is its strongest feature that sets it apart from other quality blenders in its class. The Vitamix design focus for over 20 years has been precision control of blending and they do it better than any other.

Bottom line – the Creations Turbo is a Vitamix and is a fantastic blender. In all honesty, consider if you are really going to take advantage of the dry grains container and if it is about the price of the package at slightly less than $400 then I suggest you seriously consider a reconditioned Vitamix with a variable speed which are on sale for $299 ($50 less than the discounted price).

I hope that has been helpful. Let us know if there is anything else we can answer for you!